Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:21 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:21 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Assist in oral health care procedures during conscious sedation
Assist in oral health care procedures during conscious sedation
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDA409C
HLTDA409C
State Code
D5854
D5854
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
02/08/2011
Field of Education
060703 - Dental Assisting
Original Release Date
02/08/2011
Nominal Hours
75
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist the dentist or dental specialist in carrying out oral health care procedures on clients during intravenous, oral and inhalation sedationAll procedures are carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards, State/Territory legislative requirements and organisation policy
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare the client for oral health care procedures during conscious sedation
- 1.1 Provide written prescribed pre-operative and post-operative instructions to the client prior to conscious sedation
- 1.2 Confirm and document arrangements for the provision of an escort following the procedure
- 1.3 Provide an appropriate environment for the client and/or carer to ask questions
- 1.4 Make accessible in the clean zone of the surgery the client's necessary charts and records
- 1.5 Maintain confidentiality of client information in accordance with dental practice/organisation policy and procedures
2. Select and prepare equipment, instruments, materials and medicaments applicable for the oral health care procedures during conscious sedation
- 2.1 Prepare ready for use the appropriate safety equipment for the monitoring of the client as directed by the operator
- 2.2 Prepare ready for use the equipment for the delivery of inhalation sedation
- 2.3 Prepare ready for use the equipment used for the delivery of intravenous sedation in accordance with dental practice/organisation and OHS policy and procedures
- 2.4 Prepare ready for use the appropriate safety equipment for use in intravenous sedation
- 2.5 Prepare ready for use the dental instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments for the planned procedure
3. Assist the operator during conscious sedation
- 3.1 Give personal protective equipment to the client and members of the dental team
- 3.2 Arrange instruments in order of use in accordance with operator requirements
- 3.3 Select and safely transfer correct dental instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments
- 3.4 Assist the operator when required to monitor the client airway and vital signs during conscious sedation
- 3.5 Record accurately and legibly oral health care treatment given, materials used and medicaments prescribed
4. Assist in the recovery following conscious sedation
- 4.1 Transfer client to the post-operative recovery room and monitor vital signs in accordance with operator instructions
- 4.2 Maintain venous access for intravenous sedation in accordance with operator instructions
- 4.3 Follow established guidelines and protocols while providing post-operative care
- 4.4 Communicate clearly with client and/or carer and provide written post-operative instructions to carer and/or escort
- 4.5 Discharge client only on instruction from the operator
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Written pre-operative and post operative instructions may include but are not limited to:
Instructions related to specific procedures for intravenous, oral and inhalation sedation
Premedication requirements
Escort requirements
Escort may include but is not limited to:
Personal carer
Parent/guardian
Friend
Relatives
Others
Charts andrecords may include but are not limited to:
Dental charts and dental treatment records
Completed medical questionnaires
Consent documents obtained for treatment
Radiographs, tracings and measurements
Diagnostic models
Photographs
Records of financial transactions
Notes made by staff following telephone conversations
Reports to and from referring dentists and specialists
Copies of correspondence relating to the client
Equipment for the delivery of inhalation sedation may include but are not limited to:
Oxygen and nitrous oxide gas cylinders
Connecting tubing
Mask
Scavenging system
Regulator
Oxygen flush
Equipment used for the delivery of intravenous sedation
Intravenous needles and syringes
Mouth props
Packs
Intravenous agents including:
sedatives
tranquillisers
hypnotics
analgesics
emergency drugs
Appropriate safety equipment for use in intravenous sedation in dentistry may include but is not limited to:
Laryngoscopes
Suction apparatus
Endotracheal tube
Pulse oximeter
Personal protective equipment may include:
Examination gloves that comply with AS/NZS 4011 and surgical gloves that comply with AS/NZS 4179
Footwear to protect from dropped sharps and other contaminated items
Glasses, goggles or face-shields
Gowns and waterproof aprons that comply with AS 3789.2 and AS 3789.3
Guidelines for latex allergic clients and staff
Lead apron
Protection of the airway
Sterile drapes
Surgical face masks that comply with AS 4381
Post operative care may include:
Post operative care in accordance with prescription by the dentist or dental specialist and legislative requirements
Verbal and written instructions issued by dentist or dental specialist when appropriate
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Written pre-operative and post operative instructions may include but are not limited to:
Instructions related to specific procedures for intravenous, oral and inhalation sedation
Premedication requirements
Escort requirements
Escort may include but is not limited to:
Personal carer
Parent/guardian
Friend
Relatives
Others
Charts andrecords may include but are not limited to:
Dental charts and dental treatment records
Completed medical questionnaires
Consent documents obtained for treatment
Radiographs, tracings and measurements
Diagnostic models
Photographs
Records of financial transactions
Notes made by staff following telephone conversations
Reports to and from referring dentists and specialists
Copies of correspondence relating to the client
Equipment for the delivery of inhalation sedation may include but are not limited to:
Oxygen and nitrous oxide gas cylinders
Connecting tubing
Mask
Scavenging system
Regulator
Oxygen flush
Equipment used for the delivery of intravenous sedation
Intravenous needles and syringes
Mouth props
Packs
Intravenous agents including:
sedatives
tranquillisers
hypnotics
analgesics
emergency drugs
Appropriate safety equipment for use in intravenous sedation in dentistry may include but is not limited to:
Laryngoscopes
Suction apparatus
Endotracheal tube
Pulse oximeter
Personal protective equipment may include:
Examination gloves that comply with AS/NZS 4011 and surgical gloves that comply with AS/NZS 4179
Footwear to protect from dropped sharps and other contaminated items
Glasses, goggles or face-shields
Gowns and waterproof aprons that comply with AS 3789.2 and AS 3789.3
Guidelines for latex allergic clients and staff
Lead apron
Protection of the airway
Sterile drapes
Surgical face masks that comply with AS 4381
Post operative care may include:
Post operative care in accordance with prescription by the dentist or dental specialist and legislative requirements
Verbal and written instructions issued by dentist or dental specialist when appropriate
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistent compliance with infection control guidelines, occupational health and safety policies, Australian and New Zealand Standards and legislative requirements as they relate to the dental assistant's specific job role
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place is essential
Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by:
traditional or online (computer-based) assessment
written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Questioning
Staff and/or client feedback
Supporting statement of supervisor
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Role play/simulation
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistent compliance with infection control guidelines, occupational health and safety policies, Australian and New Zealand Standards and legislative requirements as they relate to the dental assistant's specific job role
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place is essential
Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by:
traditional or online (computer-based) assessment
written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Questioning
Staff and/or client feedback
Supporting statement of supervisor
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Role play/simulation
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C4978 | HLTDA9A | Assist in oral health care procedures during conscious sedation | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WD110 | HLTDA409D | Assist in oral health care procedures during conscious sedation | Unit of competency |
